Discover Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou, named тАЬThe Place of ElephantsтАЬ, is ZimbabweтАЩs second-largest National Park and one of its most famed wilderness areas. Stretching over 5,053 square kilometers, some 1.25 million acres, from the Save River in the north to the Mwenezi River to the south, the Park is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in southern Africa тАУ including the iconic Chilojo Cliffs.
Gonarezhou is a unique conservation success story, involving a true conservation partnership between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Gonarezhou National Park is ZimbabweтАЩs second-largest park and lies in the southeastern corner of Zimbabwe, bordering
Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in
Zimbabwe. It forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area and covers 5,000 kilometers.
The park is home to all of the big 5:┬аelephant,┬аbuffalo,┬аrhino,┬аlion,┬аand┬аleopard in addition to these hosts over┬а100 mammal species,┬а400 bird species,┬аand┬а50 fish species┬аincluding Zambezi shark and small-tooth sawfish at the confluence of the Save and Runde; which also happens to be the lowest point in Zimbabwe at 162m above sea level.
The semi-arid climate is covered in wooded grasslands with alluvial, mopane, and miombo woodlands as well as towering baobab trees.
What is Gonarezhou National Park Entry Fees?
Below is the Gonarezhou National Park Entrance fee.
| Category | Fee (per person per day) |
| Non-resident Adults | $20 USD |
| Non-resident Children (under 16) | $10 USD |
| SADC Nationals (Adults) | $10 USD |
| SADC Nationals (Children under 16) | $5 USD |
| Local Zimbabwean Citizens (Adults) | $5 USD |
| Local Zimbabwean Citizens (Children) | $2.50 USD |
These rates can change, so itтАЩs always best to verify them before your trip.
What is the Best Time to Visit Gonarezhou National Park?
Each season in the Park has its own charm but overall, the best weather conditions for camping are between April and September.
- From November to March is the hot-wet season, day-time temperatures often reach above 35 degrees Celsius and thundershowers can be common making it more difficult to explore the Park.
- The cool-dry season from April to August are ideal, with comfortable day and night time temperatures.
- The hot-dry season from September to November is the peak of the dry season, although daytime temperatures are high, game viewing by waterholes can be spectacular!
Low Season
November to March
While wildlife is still present, it can be more challenging to spot animals during the wet season. The landscape is green, and animals are spread out across the park, making sightings less concentrated. However, itтАЩs a good time for birdwatching as migratory species are abundant.
High Season
May and November
Although it’s not the peak time for animal concentrations, wildlife is still relatively abundant, and birdwatching can be excellent during these months. Migratory bird species start arriving, and vegetation is still manageable for game drives and walks. May and November are transitional months. May marks the tail end of the rainy season, while November marks the beginning.
Peak Season
June to October
The dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing. Animals, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and a variety of other species, tend to concentrate around water sources, making sightings more frequent and easier. The dry landscape also makes it easier to spot animals from a distance.
How do you Get to Gonarezhou National Park?
Access by road
Follow the main tarred road from the Chiredzi turn-off to Mutare for 21 kilometers. Turn off to the south at the Chipinda Pools signpost. Follow the gravel road for approximately 34 kilometers to the entrance of the Park, about 55km from Chiredzi.
Access by air
Private charters are available from any airstrip in Zimbabwe to Chipinda Pools airstrip located within the park.
Private charter to Buffalo Range Airport, then 3-hour vehicle transfer to Gonarezhou National Park.
Which are the Best Places to Stay Gonarezhou National Park?
Which are the available Safari Packages to Gonarezhou National Park?
Which Other National Parks to visit apart from Gonarezhou National Park
Find other national parks related to Gonarezhou National Park that you either combined your safari with or get inspired to book them later on in your next adventures. The destinations are some of the best that you can visit that are close to Gonarezhou National Park.
Gonarezhou National Park FAQs
